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Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned To Swim Again Hardcover – Picture Book, October 1, 2009

4.8 out of 5 stars 313 ratings

The original hardcover upon which the major motion picture is based on!

When Winter was a baby, she was rescued from a crab trap, her tail seriously damaged, and rushed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Winter survived, but eventually her tail fell off. Then Winter received a prosthetic tail. It was very challenging but now Winter is thriving and using her new tail with great command. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to visit Winter who has become an inspiration to adults and children alike, especially to children who are amputees themselves. And now Winter's story is soon to be a major motion picture starring Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Harry Connick Jr.!
Discover teachers' picks. Discover%20teachers%27%20picks.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Hatkoff and his daughters continue their nonfiction series (Owen & Mzee, 2006; Knut, 2007) highlighting animals that overcome adversity. Here they follow a baby Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin that lost her tail after becoming entangled in a crab trap. Rescued by Florida wildlife conservationists, she was nursed back to health and later fitted with an artificial tail. The main narrative is informal and conversational, well suited to a younger audience. Readers learn about Winter’s improvised, tail-free swimming techniques and how trainers helped her to adjust to the new device. An afterword provides further information about the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (where Winter lives), dolphins and their training, and Kevin Carroll, whose company developed the prosthetic tail. Most of the photographs are crisp and clear, depicting Winter’s dramatic rescue and several training routines. Designed for a dual audience (animal lovers and humans who have overcome physical adversity), this will make an inspirational choice for browsers. For another look at dolphins in captivity, point readers to Twig C. George’s A Dolphin Named Bob (1996). Grades 1-3. --Kay Weisman

About the Author

Craig Hatkoff is the co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival and of Turtle Pond Publications. Both Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship and Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship are New York Times bestsellers. He lives with his wife and their two daughters in Manhattan.
Craig Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, and Juliana Hatkoff are also the authors of Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World and Looking for Miza: The True Story of the Mountain Gorilla Family Who Rescued One of Their Own. The Hatkoffs live in Manhattan.
Isabella Hatkoff is the co-author of bestselling Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship and Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship with her father, Craig Hatkoff, and ecologist Dr. Paula Kahumbu. Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship was published in the spring of 2006 and became an international phenomonen. She lives in Manhattan with her family
David Yates is the CEO of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. He initiated a marketing and media plan that shared Winter's amazing story with the world, leading to the major motion picture DOLPHIN TALE, which Yates co-produced. Yates is also a three time Emmy Award winner, producer and writer of the documentary WINTER, THE DOLPHIN THAT CAN, and an executive producer of DOLPHIN TALE 2.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 1, 2009
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd ptg
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0545123356
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0545123358
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 10 years
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11.25 x 0.5 x 10.25 inches
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 5
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 930L
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 313 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
313 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this children's book to be a heartwarming true story based on real events, with beautiful pictures throughout. The book is educational, presenting material in a way children can understand, and one customer notes how it shows how mankind can help animals. They appreciate the book's readability, with one mentioning how it tells the story in an easy-to-follow manner, and another highlighting how it portrays an innocent creature overcoming adversity. The movie content receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how it inspired them to watch the film.

28 customers mention "Story quality"28 positive0 negative

Customers praise this heartwarming true story that is suitable for the whole family.

"...Good for all ages. Strong messages of perseverance, despite setbacks. Inspiring story. The photos were great and text is good for early readers." Read more

"...The Hatkoff authors are creating a series of beautiful stories that have helped many many children and adults face issues that are so difficult...." Read more

"This book is everything that I thought and hoped it would be. It is poignant as it touches your heart in every aspect--taking us from the initial..." Read more

"Pros: - My son loves this book - The story in this book follows the movie (mostly) and the real story...." Read more

15 customers mention "Photography"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the beautiful pictures in the book, with one customer noting that it includes actual photos of Winter.

"...Inspiring story. The photos were great and text is good for early readers." Read more

"...to adult will enjoy this story of the people surrounding this adorable dolphin who is now thriving in her own new home...." Read more

"...every bit as wonderful a testament to good, caring people and sweet animals--as I do...." Read more

"...What is real is confusing to a 5 year old. - Great photography and printing. -..." Read more

12 customers mention "Education value"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book educational, providing lots of information, with one customer noting how it shows how mankind can help.

"...This is also very educational in the material presented...." Read more

"...animals and their vulnerabilities, the book also shows how mankind can and does help...." Read more

"We really like this book because it is a true story and hits a few lessons home: caring for animals, caring for the environment, the issue about..." Read more

"...Nonetheless, a sweet story with actual photos of winter and her real caretakers. A big hit in my house" Read more

6 customers mention "Storyline"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, with one mentioning it's an excellent job telling Winter's story and another noting it's a good narrative about the dolphin's life.

"...We loved the story of Winter...be inspired." Read more

"...Craig Hatkoff and his daughters do an excellent job telling Winter's story...." Read more

"It is a good story about WInter's life!" Read more

"...It is the story of the famous winter the dolphin and it includes some great pictures with it." Read more

4 customers mention "Animal welfare"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to animal welfare, with one review highlighting how the dolphin overcame adversity and another noting how it shows life with humans and animals.

"...book because it is a true story and hits a few lessons home: caring for animals, caring for the environment, the issue about what to do with trash..." Read more

"...such a sad happening but to see the way this innocent creature overcame adversity and continues to thrive well is so inspiring...." Read more

"...kids that adversity can be adapted to, people are kind and committed to animals. Well worth it." Read more

"wonderful hopeful story of love friendship and life with man an animal" Read more

4 customers mention "Movie content"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's movie content engaging, with one mentioning how it inspired them to watch the movies, while another describes it as captivating.

"...One of our favorite books, it also inspired us to watch the movies (which are equally great!). Good for all ages...." Read more

"Loved that this was based on a real story and it made me want to see the movie. It's amazing what some people can come up with to help the animals!" Read more

"...It is captivating and holds a childs intrest. Arrived just in time for Christmas and in great shape." Read more

"Great story, new movie will probably spark interest again..." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one mentioning that it tells the story in an easy-to-follow way.

"...Inspiring story. The photos were great and text is good for early readers." Read more

"...The writing and stunning photography are beautiful and simple but so powerful in their message...." Read more

"...Lots of information & very easy to read. My 7 year old loves this book!" Read more

"I love Winter the dolphin and this book tells the story in an easy to follow way...." Read more

Two Stars
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2025
    Excellent book that accurately tells the amazing true story of Winter the dolphin. One of our favorite books, it also inspired us to watch the movies (which are equally great!). Good for all ages. Strong messages of perseverance, despite setbacks. Inspiring story. The photos were great and text is good for early readers.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2009
    Wonderful heartwarming uplifting book of hope and encouragement for any of life's challenges that we face. The Hatkoff authors are creating a series of beautiful stories that have helped many many children and adults face issues that are so difficult. This is also very educational in the material presented.

    It is the story of how Kevin Carroll who designed Winter's Tale worked miracles with Winter as he does with human's and their prosthetics all over the world. He is presently working on Chrissie, a beautiful sandhill crane (almost 50" tall bird) who lost her lower leg on a golf course. Chrissie lives at Save Our Seabirds ([...]). in Sarasota, Florida which is only an hour away from Winter's home in Clearwater, Florida! She is now going through the fittings that Winter did for her tail! She was named "Chrissie" short for Christmas because that was the first day she strutted in her initial prosthetic!

    True stories of hope are excellent gifts for those overcoming adversities in their lives. This little girl dolphin has definitely done that!

    The writing and stunning photography are beautiful and simple but so powerful in their message. All ages from very young to adult will enjoy this story of the people surrounding this adorable dolphin who is now thriving in her own new home. She just celebrated her 5th birthday and is doing great --learning new tricks and skills all the time. Encouragement galore for us all!!

    Don't hesitate!! Definitely buy the book today for yourself and grab a copy for a big or little friend. You won't be disappointed. A great children's or adult's non-fiction book to add to any and all collections.

    Also, when in Florida, definitely come visit Winter AND Chrissie! They'd love to see you!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2010
    This book is everything that I thought and hoped it would be. It is poignant as it touches your heart in every aspect--taking us from the initial rescue through to a happy ending. I am a former teacher and I can see its value in reaching out to children and drawing them into the story--helping them to experience their own feelings while relating to Little Winter. As an introduction to the precarious world of innocent animals and their vulnerabilities, the book also shows how mankind can and does help. The pictures of all the different loving volunteers who pitch in wholeheartedly to help Winter are unforgettable. I have a few grandnieces and nephews who will find this true story every bit as wonderful a testament to good, caring people and sweet animals--as I do. I bought this book after I saw on PBS a brief mention of Winter's story. I decided to research it here on Amazon and learned enough that I went through with the purchase. It is everything I'd hoped it would be.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2017
    Pros:
    - My son loves this book
    - The story in this book follows the movie (mostly) and the real story. My son notices a few discrepancies and asks which is the "real" story, but I have to explain that Morgan Freeman isn't REALLY a doctor and didn't REALLY make a tail for Winter. What is real is confusing to a 5 year old.
    - Great photography and printing.
    - We got the hardback, but before that, we borrowed the paperback from the library and it is awesome too. Large, clear photos in both.

    Cons:
    - This isn't a con for US, but I want to say that this is a scientific type of story.... a TRUE story. It doesn't hold my 2 year old's attention. He would much rather read a book about funny characters that rhymes and has farm animals in it or something like that. So, maybe it's for older children (my son who loves it is 5).
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2013
    We really like this book because it is a true story and hits a few lessons home: caring for animals, caring for the environment, the issue about what to do with trash and even science and robotics. Very cute, but perhaps for a child 4 and up since it is kind of long.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2012
    I bought this book for my daughter who is obsessed with Winter and the movie "A Dolphin Tale." This is the real account of what happened and since she is only four and can't read it yet - she looks at the pictures and I read it to her. However, once you read the story you realize how they Disneyfied some parts of it for the big screen. I'm not ready to burst her bubble yet, so I skip some parts. When she's old enough to read it herself (its heavy on text) she'll learn the true story. Nonetheless, a sweet story with actual photos of winter and her real caretakers. A big hit in my house
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2017
    Bought this and follow up book about Winter. We visited the real Winter while in Florida. Regardless, the videos Winters Tale, Nims Island, and other ocean, island, creatures of the oceans, children who show courage and overcome through perseverance all have value. We loved the story of Winter...be inspired.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2012
    I was very excited to receive this book. Our reading program is changing to more thematically based units next year. This book was on the list of recommendations. I was pleased to have the opportunity to add more non fiction literature to my classroom library. This item came in the time expected and in the condition promised! I would use and recommend this seller.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Oliver Schmid
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eine wunderbare und wahre Delfingeschichte
    Reviewed in Germany on October 9, 2015
    Dieses Büchlein ist eigentlich für englischsprachige Kinder und somit in einer relativ einfachen sprache geschrieben, was für nicht-Muttersprachler wie mich den Vorteil hat, dass es auch mit dem mehr oder weniger brachliegenden Schulenglisch recht gut gelesen und verstanden werden kann, ohne dass man jedes dritte Wort nachschlagen muss.

    Das reichlich mit beeindruckenden, oft ganzseitigen Fotos bebilderte Heft erzählt die wahre Geschichte des kleinen Delfins "Winter", der sich als Baby im Seil einer Krabbenfalle so unglücklich verheddert hatte, das er (bzw.sie, denn winter ist ein weiblicher Delfin) sich fast stranguliert hätte.
    Zwar wurde die Kleine gerettet, hat aber ihren Schwanz verloren. Ein Prothesenhersteller hatte Mitleid mit dem Delfin und entwickelte extra für Winter einen künstlichen Schwanz, mit dem sie wieder richtig schwimmen kann.
    Die Geschichte wurde später auch verfilmt. auf deutsch: "Mein freund, der Delfin",im englischen Original "Dolphin tale", wobei es sich hier um ein Wortspiel handelt, das im Deutschen verloren geht (Dolphin tale = Delfingeschichte; was fast genau so klingt wie Dolphin tail = Delfinschwanz)
    Report
  • If Only I Could Read Faster
    5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely story.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2016
    I got this book along with Hope for Winter for my children for Christmas as they're big fans on the films. This is a great book and it was fun to see the real life pictures and read the real story without the hollywood dramatics, although the differences did confuse my five year olds.
  • Kingofsparta
    5.0 out of 5 stars Winter le dauphin
    Reviewed in France on July 7, 2015
    Attention ce livre est en anglais.

    Ce livre nous relate les faits réels concernant Winter le dauphin qui à perdue sa queue après avoir été coincée dans un piège à crabes, de sa réhabilitation grâce à une ingénieuse prothèse et de l'inspiration qu'elle est devenue pour des millions de gens.
    Si il ne contient pas beaucoup de page, il est très bien fait, contient de nombreuses photos sur sa véritable histoire et sur le refuge de Clearwater qui l'a accueilli et où elle réside encore aujourd'hui. Un must have pour les fans de ce dauphin au destin exceptionnel!

    Un deuxième livre sur Hope existe dans la même collection aussi bien fait.

    Et n'oubliez pas que vous pouvez la voir via les webcam du refuge sur seewinter.com
  • Diane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story
    Reviewed in Canada on April 25, 2016
    I bought this for my daughter who loves the story of Winter and Hope at CMA. This was the book she needed to complete her collection.
  • Brenda
    4.0 out of 5 stars wonderful story
    Reviewed in Canada on March 30, 2010
    This is a great story about a dolphin who was missing its tail fin and how caregivers managed to have a new one made. The story is very simple, written for mainly children. I was kind of hoping for a little more technical information, but the book was a wonderful read.